Bank of Ceylon’s leadership in sustainability recognised at Green Building Awards

BOC receiving the Green Business Leadership Award

The Bank of Ceylon’s (BOC) efforts towards sustainability received a three accolade at the recent Green Building Awards, held by the Green Building Council of Sri Lanka (GBCSL). BOC’s City Office in Fort, its oldest branch, which was recently renovated, won the Silver award in recognition for optimising green efficiency, while the Bank retained its “Green Business Leadership Award of the year-Banking Sector” for the second consecutive year and grabbed the award for ‘Green Commitment Excellence of the Year 2023’ as well. Present at the Awards Ceremony representing the Bank’s Green Team were: General Manager/Chief Executive Officer Russel Fonseka, Deputy General Manager – Support Services Priyanthi Wijesekara, Assistant General Manager – Administrative Services Kumudu Mahawatta, Electrical Engineer Bhathiya Thilakawardana, and Civil Engineers Manuja Perera and Prabhashi Keerthisoma. 

BOC’s holistic approach to environmental sustainability of the country, embracing the green concept and incorporating it in their Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) in accordance with United Nation’s guidelines and CSR objectives and activities, amply demonstrate their leadership in sustainability goals.

The banking industry’s active and growing participation toward sustainable development is vital considering its intermediary role in an economy for building a sustainable future. A key criterion for this year’s selection process has been the direct involvement of the Bank’s top to bottom management in steering the green drive to achieve zero negative impact in reaching their sustainability goals. 

BOC’s first branch, the City Office won this “Silver” award under the existing buildings category. The branch renovated the old building with an energy efficient electrical systems, efficient water system with the introduction of an air condition condensed water collection for internal consumption. 

The renovated City Office aligned itself with a series of green standards including; reducing toxic levels in workplace, thereby promoting enhanced indoor air quality and optimising energy efficiency of light systems and air conditioning systems. With a major component of compliance criteria for this category adhered to, green efficiency was at optimum levels in the renovated City office. The Bank already maintains its Kekirawa, Trincomalee Super Grade, Panadura City, Walasmulla, Laggala, Melsiripura, Mathara Super Grade and Tangalle Branches under “green building” concept.

The BOC hit another milestone in renewable energy when they became the first state bank to install a 2.228 Mega Watt solar PV capacity, whilst contributing 3,245 MWh annually to the national grid. 

Leadership assessment in the banking sector centres on the individual bank’s contribution to sustainability. Bank of Ceylon retained the title won last year demonstrating a result oriented, committed involvement by the top tiers of management together with the entire engineering department at BOC. The live-wire spearheading the green building project are the team of dedicated engineers in BOC’s Engineering Department who are all accredited with green qualifications. 

BOC has added savings products such as e-thuru, Haritha Kekulu and loan schemes for solar power, E-friends and a special scheme to purchase sustainable energy and eco-friendly products with the objective to encourage its stakeholders to take part in this green initiative.

In line with the Bank of Ceylon’s triple bottom line concept, the Bank continues its commitment and maintains its leadership in social, environmental and governance platforms as a responsible corporate citizen.